Advancement

Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.

The National Council of the Boy Scouts of America recently released a preliminary version of The Guide to Advancement - which is the official Boy Scouts of America source on advancement procedures.

Welcome and thank you for using Internet Advancement from the Boy Scouts of America. Internet Advancement allows you to enter youth advancements, awards, and merit badges and perform the following actions:

Print an Advancement Report with a Unit Awards Summary to assist in purchasing

Before beginning Internet Advancement, collect all member information, including advancement records, award records, and merit badge applications with the appropriate signatures. To complete Internet Advancement, you must be connected to a printer to print the final report.

Each unit selects one person who will have the log in information and be authorized to do advancement reporting for the unit. To request your Unit ID number and password to access Internet Advancement, please contact Kathy Ferdig at the council service Center at 505-345-8603 ext. 100.

3.Recognized as having the skills required for each of the badges requested.

4.Recognized as having the ability to work with Scout-age boys.

5.Registered with the Boy Scouts of America as a Merit Badge Counselor (no fee required).

6.Youth Protection Trained within last 2 years.

7.Complete Merit Badge Counselor training (does not expire).

APPLICATION PROCESS – Persons who are not currently registered as a Merit Badge Counselor must do the following to register. This includes applicants already registered in another Scouting position.

1.Complete a BSA Adult Application form. In the space for Position Code, enter “42.” In the space for Scouting position description, enter “Merit Badge Counselor.” Be sure to read and sign the “Disclosure/Authorization page as well as signing the application itself.

a.Signatures of the unit committee chair and chartered organization representative are not required for merit badge counselors.

b.There is no fee to register as a merit badge counselor.

2.Complete the Application for a Merit Badge Counselor Information form.

a.If applying for any merit badge listed blow under “Special Qualifications,” include a copy of the certification or other documentation as required for that merit badge.

b.Check whether you wish to serve all units, or only a specific unit(s).

3.Complete Youth Protection Training (YPT), if you have not done so within the past two years. Be sure to obtain a copy of the completion certificate. Information for completing this online is available at http://www.myscouting.org

4.Complete Merit Badge Counselor training by reviewing the package at http://www.gswcbsa.org/mbctraining. Upon completion, print, sign, and date the completion certificate at the end of the package.

5.Submit both forms (adult application and Merit Badge Counselor application), YPT certificate, Merit Badge Counselor training completion certificate, and documentation of special qualifications (if applicable) to Great Southwest Council, 5841 Office Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. If already registered in another Scouting position and Youth Protection training was previously completed, you may submit your BSA Membership ID number on the Merit Badge Counselor information form in lieu of the YPT certificate.

ADDING & DROPPING MERIT BADGES – If you are already registered as a Merit Badge Counselor and you wish to add or delete merit badges, submit only an updated Merit Badge Counselor information form. If special qualifications apply to any added merit badge, also submit the required certification or documentation.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATION – Counselors for the following merit badge must meet the specific requirements stated below and must submit proof of qualification with their application.

Climbing – Must be (a) a qualified rock climbing instructor, (b) trained in BSA Climb on Safely, and (c) must be at least 21 years of age.

Lifesaving – Must be (a) certified in Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED or equivalent, (b) certified as BSA Lifeguard or Aquatics Instructor or equivalent, and (c) at least 21 years of age. Must have BSA Safety Afloat and BSA Safe Swim Defense training.

Rifle Shooting – Must be (a) a certified BSA National Camping School shooting sports director or (b) an NRA Rifle Shooting Instructor or Coach, and must be at least 21 years of age.

For activity with muzzle-loading rifles (Option C), must also be (a) a certified BSA National Camping School shooting sports director or (b) an NRA or National Muzzleloader Rifle Association certified muzzle-loading firearms instructor.

Rowing – Must be (a) BSA Aquatics Instructor or equivalent, or (b) trained by an instructor so qualified. Must have BSA Safety Afloat and BSA Safe Swim Defense training.

Scuba Diving – Must be trained and sanctioned by one of the following agencies:

Professional Association of Diving Instructors

National Association of Underwater Instructors

Scuba Schools International

International Diving Educators Association

Professional Diving Instructors Corporation

Scuba Diving International

World Recreational Scuba Training Council

Shotgun Shooting – Must be (a) a certified BSA National Camping School shooting sports director or (b) an NRA Shotgun Shooting Instructor or Coach, and must be at least 21 years of age.

For activity with muzzle-loading rifles (Option C), must also be (a) a certified BSA National Camping School shooting sports director or (b) an NRA or National Muzzleloader Rifle Association certified muzzle-loading shotgun instructor.